Replacement of gas lines set in borough

It appears Main Street in Honesdale will be torn up this summer for gas line replacement.

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Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

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Posted Feb. 27, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Posted Feb. 27, 2013 at 12:00 AM

HONESDALE

— It appears Main Street in Honesdale will be torn up this summer for gas line replacement.

UGI Utilities announced recently it will be replacing approximately 63 miles of antiquated gas lines in this region, including lines which run beneath Main Street in Honesdale.

The date when this construction will take place has yet to be announced.

According to UGI, gas mail replacement will happen from the 400 to 1100 blocks of Main Street. It totals 3,850 feet.

Main replacement has also been announced in Scranton as well as Cooper Township.

This is all part of a $71.1 million project for fiscal year 2013, according to UGI officials.

The company said it is replacing cast iron and bare steel mains with contemporary materials such as high density plastic or cathodically protected steel. In addition, there will be other improvements along with the project including pressure reinforcements to accommodate system growth, service line and meter replacements and regulator station work.

"Safety is always UGI's first priority," said Robert F. Beard, president and CEO of the utility company. "These infrastructure projects continue our commitment to ensure our system provides safe, reliable service for our customers, and for the many communities we serve."

Over the next 30 years, the company expects to spend $1.2 billion to replace all pipelines made of older materials. The replacement schedule is based on priorities established by UGI. Those include risk assessment and other factors.

UGI officials said residents and local elected officials will be notified of the construction schedule in advance. Whenever appropriate, UGI will replace service lines leading to homes during the main replacement project and, in some cases, will need to gain access to residences.

The projects will also cause temporary traffic and parking congestions, officials said. UGI officials said they will work with municipal officials to minimize the disruptions.